Ivory partial denture for lower jaw clasps: 17th century

Full image caption

Denture. Ivory partial denture for lower jaw clasps. The wearer probably had a very shallow alveolar ridge to support the denture. There is attrition on all the occlusal surfaces, and staining between the teeth. In the 17th century some people had artificial teeth of whalebone and ivory, as well as transplanted teeth from goats, baboons, sheep and dogs. Hippopotamus ivory was first recommended because it was less liable to stain and retained its colour.